Eugene Wrongful Death Questions Raised by State Report

An Oregon state report has raised questions about the conduct of state officials prior to the death of a Eugene teenager.

15 year old Jeanette Maples was killed December 9, according to an Associated Press report republished by TV station KMTR. Her parents have been charged with aggravated murder (they have pleaded not guilty). In the wake of the incident state officials began investigating whether their agencies failed to act in a timely manner that might have prevented the teen’s death. This week’s report by the Oregon Department of Human Services is critical of the state agency’s conduct. AP reports the document says Maples’ case “was not adequately investigated or referred for assessment despite four separate calls alleging abuse and neglect over four years.”
Though Maples’ parents are already facing criminal charges in connection with her death, the report raises the possible of additional legal sanctions against the state or its officials if they are found negligent in connection with an Oregon wrongful death.

Assigning blame in an Oregon wrongful death case can be a difficult and emotional process. In such situations, a Eugene wrongful death attorney can help loved ones determine whether their particular circumstances support an Oregon wrongful death claim and, if so, against whom. Cases like that of Jeanette Maples are tragic, but our court system does provide both civil and criminal remedies in the wake pf preventable tragedies.